Phenylethylamine PEA supplements are used to combat depression, enhance focus, reduce anxiety and improve cognitive performance. When taken orally, phenylethylamine may help to naturally boost dopamine levels.

Dopamine is a brain chemical that is secreted when we experience pleasurable events. It is a catecholamine neurotransmitter that regulates various processes and functions in both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS).

Phenylethylamine PEA dietary supplementation may upregulate dopamine synthesis for short periods of time. PEA is used to help with losing weight, enhancing motor movement, maintaining motivation, improving athleticism, uplifting the mood and strengthening libido.

However, the effects of PEA are short-lived and it is usually taking in combination with Hordenine – a natural MAO-B inhibitor. Phenylethylamine may not be safe for everyone and can cause drug interactions.

2-Phenylethylamine is a monoamine alkaloid that is derived from the amino acid L-phenylalanine, which is found in common foods, such as fish, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, and dairy products.

Phenylethylamine is used primarily as a neurotransmitter in humans and other mammals. Neurotransmitters relay electrochemical messages between nerve cells (neurons).

Phenylethylamine is produced from L-phenylalanine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). In dopamine synthesis, L-phenylalanine is also used as a precursor to another amino acid called L-tyrosine.

Some L-tyrosine is converted to DOPA, the precursor of natural dopamine. Dopamine may then be further converted to norepinephrine, and later, epinephrine.

Phenylethylamine PEA Reviews

Many people call phenylethylamine the “love drug”. It is what makes consuming chocolate so pleasurable for so many people.

Phenylethylamine HCL is also used as a nootropic for improved mood and mental performance.

Some early research suggests that taking phenylethylamine supplements may also upregulate acetylcholine synthesis. Acetylcholine is another neurotransmitter used largely in memory recall, memory formation, concentration and learning.

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Phenylethylamine PEA for Depression

Preliminary research suggests that phenylethylamine HCL may be helpful for combating depression.

In a human study, twice-daily 5 mg doses of selegiline was combined with once-daily phenylethylamine HCL doses between 10 mg and 60 mg. All subjects had been diagnosed with recurrent major depressive episodes.

50 weeks of additional treatment after the study concluded appears to have alleviated targeted symptoms with 86% effectiveness. No serious or lasting adverse effects were reported during this study.

Phenylethylamine PEA Dosage Recommendations

There are no standardized dosing recommendations for phenylethylamine PEA supplements. Common dosing recommendations span between 250 mg and 1000 mg each day.

Many health professionals advise beginning supplementation at 100 mg daily or less. Then, you should monitor closely for developing side effects.

If you need to increase the dosage you are taking, then do so in small increments over time. Research shows that phenylethylamine has been taken orally for up to 50 months in doses as high as 60 mg daily without causing adverse effects.

In cases where adverse side effects are experienced, they are most often alleviated by reducing the dosage or discontinuing use.

Some users only take PEA supplements every other day. This helps to avoid building any tolerance to their effects. Excessive accumulations of phenylethylamine may result in tolerance.

Some users experience phenylethylamine HCL side effects like those caused by amphetamines. In at least one case, a phenylethylamine-containing supplement was associated with tachycardia, anxiety and agitation.

Pregnant and nursing women should not use phenylethylamine PEA supplements without the advice and observation of their doctors. There is not enough known about its effects on pregnancy and lactation to rate its safety in these groups. Usage is discouraged.

Phenylethylamine PEA Drug Interactions

Some medications, herbs and supplements may interact adversely with phenylethylamine HCL. Some of these include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), meperidine, dextromethorphan, desipramine, pentazocine and tramadol.

Do not use phenylethylamine with SSRIs and/or tricyclic antidepressant medications including Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Elavil, Tofranil and Anafranil.

Phenylethylamine HCL has not been reported to interact negatively with any foods or laboratory tests. However supplementation may exacerbate symptoms associated with depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

If you are scheduled for elective surgery, then stop using phenylethylamine supplements at least two weeks prior to your appointment.

Phenylethylamine HCL supplements can affect hormone levels. Various hormone-related side effects and interactions are possible. It is best to seek medical advice before beginning to use any phenylethylamine PEA supplement.

MECHANISM: Phenylethylamine supplements reduce the uptake and increase the release of various neurotransmitters – specifically serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – which can have mood modulation and cognitive enhancement effects. READ MORE...

SIDE EFFECTS: Rated as Possibly Unsafe when used orally unless under medical supervision. At recommended dosage it is normally well tolerated. Side effects can include stimulant effects similar to amphetamine, constipation, headaches, heartburn, dizziness, insomnia, and nausea. READ MORE...

INTERACTIONS: Antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs), Desipramine, Dextromethorphan, Meperidine, MAOIs, Pentazocine, Tramadol. May interact with herbs and supplements that increase serotonin levels, including L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, SAMe, and St. John's Wort. Can have interactions with individuals with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

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